SAN MARCOS, Texas — San Marcos officials are warning residents to take precautions after four additional animals tested positive for rabies in the area, including a bat that came into contact with a child.
According to the City of San Marcos, the newly confirmed cases involve three foxes and a skunk across the area, along with a bat in Hays County. The cases follow a previously confirmed rabid fox found on the Texas State University campus Oct. 14.
Three of the latest cases were reported Wednesday, Oct. 21:
Skunk: Found on Wild Honeysuckle Way in the Kissing Tree neighborhood. No human contact was reported.Fox: Found on Franklin Drive in the Westover neighborhood. No human contact was reported.Bat: Found in Hays County. A child came into contact with the bat after brushing it off their clothing with their hand. The child is receiving treatment following the potential exposure.
A fourth case involving a fox near Stagecoach Trail was confirmed Thursday, Oct. 22.
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The latest cases bring the total to five confirmed rabies cases reported in the San Marcos area since Oct. 14.
“It is unusual for wildlife to test positive for rabies,” said Shanna O’Brien, the city’s Neighborhood Enhancement Director. “We are tracking an increase in incidents across our area.”
Rabies is a deadly virus that can infect mammals, including wildlife, pets, and humans. It is commonly transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
City officials are urging residents to avoid contact with wildlife, keep pets current on rabies vaccinations, and seek medical attention immediately after a possible exposure.
Residents who encounter sick or unusually behaving wildlife should contact San Marcos Animal Control at 512-805-2655.
In response to the increase in cases, the city is organizing a free rabies vaccination clinic to help residents protect their pets. The date, time, and location of the clinic have not yet been announced.